Definitions

Question 1

Pax Romona

Answer 1

Latin for the “Roman Peace.” A period of relative stability and prosperity where the Roman Empire was at it’s height

Question 2

The Dark Ages (c.500-800AD)

Answer 2

A time of the warfare, invasion and instability in Europe, where much of learning and achievements of the Greek and Roman civilizations fell into disuse

Question 3

Middle Ages

Answer 3

500-1500AD

Question 4

Feudal System

Answer 4

The system of providing land and/or protection in return for loyalty and service

Question 5

Fief

Answer 5

Parcel of land

Question 6

Vassal

Answer 6

In a feudal system, a holder of land or position granted by a superior in exchange for allegiance.

Question 7

Serf

Answer 7

A worker who has obligated to work for a local noble. Also known as a villein who had more rights and higher status than the lower serfs, but not as many right as freeman

Question 8

Homage

Answer 8

The act of giving loyalty to the person above you in the feudal system

Question 9

Chivalry

Answer 9

Code of conduct that knights followed, including respect towards women

Question 10

Squire

Answer 10

A squire was typically a young boy, training to become a knight

Question 11

Page

Answer 11

A boy who acted as a knights attendant as the first stage of training for chivalric knighthood

Question 12

Pope

Answer 12

Head of the Church. A God’s representation on Earth, he was very powerful

Question 13

Tithe

Answer 13

Village level tax

Question 14

Excommunicated

Answer 14

Anyone who was believed to be acting against the Church. This meant they could no longer attend Mass and receive the Christian sacrements.

Question 15

Divine right

Answer 15

The idea that Kings derive their right to rule directly from God and do not have to answer to those below them. The idea that a ruler was chosen by god

Question 16

Heretic

Answer 16

Christian who prompted religious opinions or teachings at odds with the official Church teachings. Someone who did not follow the Church’s teachings.

Question 17

Cathedral

Answer 17

Large Church and place of worship, which was presided over by a bishop, usually in the center of town to remind the townsfolks of the power of religion.

Question 18

Clergy

Answer 18

The various roles/positions within the Church hierarchy. Friars, monks, nuns, bishops, cardinals etc are all members of the clergy

Question 19

Monastery

Answer 19

The place where monks and nuns (people who dedicated their lives to God) lived, worked and studied.